Volume One, Chapter 6: The Prime Minister Sold Her Off

Page (1/3)

Ye Feiyao nestled close to Xue Zimu’s shoulder like a delicate bird, her eyes glinting with a trace of pride and triumph as she deliberately cast her gaze toward where Ye Yuntang stood. She sought to catch a flicker of disappointment or jealousy on Ye Yuntang’s face.

Yet unexpectedly, Ye Yuntang appeared utterly indifferent to the affectionate scene before her. Her gaze never shifted even slightly in their direction; instead, she calmly admired the surrounding scenery with a serene composure.

The couple, originally brimming with confidence that their display would sting Ye Yuntang, instantly wilted like frostbitten eggplants. The triumphant smiles on their faces stiffened and soon collapsed into dismay.

By this time, many officials’ families had gradually arrived. Seeing the situation, Madam Wang hurriedly reached out to gently pull her daughter aside, her brows furrowed as she spoke with a tone blending admonition and seriousness:

“Though you two are betrothed, you are not yet formally wed. The palace is no place like the outside world; it is full of watchful eyes and gossip. A single misstep could invite scandal and idle talk. Therefore, you must be mindful of your words and actions—do not let a moment of recklessness become fodder for others. Exercise caution.”

“Yes, Mother,” Ye Feiyao replied obediently.

“My son-in-law understands and will be careful in his conduct,” Xue Zimu quickly echoed.

Their responses were nearly simultaneous. Seeing they grasped the gravity of the matter, Madam Wang fell silent, lifting her chin slightly as she gracefully led the group into the inner palace.

When they reached the solemn ancestral temple, many families of officials had already gathered inside. Some whispered quietly among themselves, others stood respectfully. Madam Wang soon blended into the crowd, engaging warmly with those who sought favor with the powerful.

Seeing Madam Wang largely ignore Ye Yuntang, the others followed suit, pretending not to notice her presence. Before long, Ye Yuntang found herself isolated and neglected.

Only the Lady of the Sheng Duke’s household, from afar, spotted her and eagerly approached. Upon arrival, she seized Ye Yuntang’s hand and asked, “You must be the young lady from the Prime Minister’s family, yes?”

Ye Yuntang’s expression remained cool and composed as she replied evenly, “The Ye family has two daughters. May I ask which one you seek? It would be unfortunate to mistake the connection.”

Her tone was calm but hinted at distance.

The Lady of the Sheng Duke’s household showed no irritation; instead, she smiled warmly, her gaze gentle as she said, “You are Yuntang, aren’t you? I came here specifically to see you.”

“To see me?”

Ye Yuntang was momentarily taken aback, inwardly surprised. This was indeed a novelty.

Page (2/3)

All these noble families in the capital were shrewd, so why was she the only one unmoved by worldly affairs?

Alarm bells rang in Ye Yuntang’s mind as she thought silently: “Attentiveness without cause—either a scheme or a theft!”

“Yes, come, let’s go sit over there,” the Lady of the Sheng Duke’s household said warmly, pulling Ye Yuntang toward a nearby pavilion without waiting for a reply.

“Lady, is there an important matter you wish to discuss with me?” Ye Yuntang asked cautiously as she was led along, her steps hesitant.

“I came because I like you. If there were no matter, would I not be able to speak with you?” The lady’s face was filled with delight.

“Very well, speak then.”

Upon sitting, Ye Yuntang noticed many eyes turning toward them—some winking, others whispering.

“Oh, look at you, why so distant with me? Someday we will be family. Don’t be so cold,” the lady chided gently, her eyes still smiling and affectionate.

Ye Yuntang’s confusion deepened. She could not fathom this notion of “being family.”

Quietly disengaging her hand from the lady’s grasp, she straightened and looked calmly at her: “Madam, I find your words quite perplexing.”

Anticipating this question, the lady smiled softly and leaned in to whisper: “My son Sheng Mo, do you remember him? You played together as children. He hasn’t forgotten you and often speaks of you to me. I think you are an excellent match for him.”

Only then did Ye Yuntang realize it was about a marriage alliance.

She pondered the name Sheng Mo. Though they had met briefly a few times, there had been no real connection. She barely recalled him. The lady’s urgency suggested there might be other motives.

Lowering her gaze briefly, Ye Yuntang replied slowly, “Madam’s kindness is deeply appreciated, but marriage is a great matter, and I am not considering it for now.”

The lady waved off her refusal lightly. “Your younger sister is nearly married, and you are no longer young. What, do you want to remain an old maid at home?”

Though slightly displeased, Ye Yuntang maintained her courtesy: “Thank you for your kindness, madam. I must take my leave now.”

With that, she rose, bowed, and turned to depart.

Page (3/3)

The Lady of the Sheng Duke’s household called after her: “Yuntang, we will be family sooner or later!”

As dusk fell, the palace banquet began.

Ye Yuntang sat quietly in a forgotten corner at the lower end, softly asking, “Sang Zhi, have you found out what I asked about?”

“Miss! I’m furious!” Sang Zhi recounted angrily. It was then Ye Yuntang learned that Sheng Mo had gone mad two years ago for unknown reasons.

He had since married four times, with each subsequent wife dying tragically—some tortured and abused before death.

In the capital, even daughters from minor officials’ families, let alone commoners, refused to marry into that household. Only ruthless opportunists would dare send their daughters there to perish.

“Miss, I suspect the master is secretly stirring trouble. With the political situation unsettled, we must act quickly. Otherwise, if you marry in, it will mean death for you,” Sang Zhi warned anxiously.

Ye Yuntang understood clearly. The Prime Minister was the highest-ranking civil officer, and even the Sheng Duke’s family, despite their prestige, would not openly make such offers.

It must be that old, unyielding figure scheming to use her as a bargaining chip, while also eliminating a thorn in their side—her.

A clever, ruthless plan indeed.

Ye Yuntang whispered, “Sang Zhi, is there a brewing wine competition this year?”

“It’s held every year without fail. This year should be no exception...” Sang Zhi suddenly understood. “You mean to win imperial favor through the wine competition?”

“Smart.”

Sang Zhi was thrilled. “That’s perfect! Miss, your brewing skills are the best in the land. With you, no one else will stand a chance!”

“Let’s register quickly. If we’re late, the opportunity will be lost!”

Sang Zhi nodded, “Miss, wait here. I’m going now.”

Ye Yuntang followed, but Sang Zhi’s feet were swift, and in the blink of an eye, she vanished.

Alone, Ye Yuntang slowly walked along the vast, somewhat eerie palace pathway. As she walked, she realized she hadn’t found an exit.

Just as she resolved to seek another way, faint, suppressed breaths drifted from behind an artificial rock nearby...